öljykylpykytkin
An oil-immersed switch, or "öljykylpykytkin" in Finnish, is a type of electrical switch that is submerged in oil. This oil serves multiple purposes, primarily as an insulator and a cooling medium. When an electrical circuit is broken, an arc forms between the switch contacts. The oil surrounding the contacts helps to extinguish this arc by cooling and deionizing the area. This arc suppression is crucial for preventing damage to the switch and the electrical system.
These switches are commonly used in high-voltage applications, such as in power distribution systems and substations.
Maintenance of oil-immersed switches involves periodically checking the oil level and quality. Over time, the oil